Another Possible Hep A Exposure

January 11, 2019CrainMedia

Northeast Arkansas continues to see new infections as part of an ongoing hepatitis A outbreak. The Arkansas Department of Health is warning people about a possible hep A exposure after an employee of Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in Jonesboro tested positive for the virus.

Anyone who ate at the Cheddar’s restaurant at 2123 Stadium Blvd., Jonesboro, AR 72401 on Dec. 22 and 23 should seek care immediately if they develop symptoms of the disease. Typical symptoms of hep A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek care immediately.

Vaccination within two weeks of exposure may prevent infection. The ADH learned of this exposure after the two-week interval had elapsed, so there is not a vaccination clinic scheduled. However, customers of the restaurant who ate there on those dates, and anyone who is at a high risk of getting hep A, can still get the vaccination. Anyone who would like to get the hep A vaccine can contact the Craighead Co. Local Health Unit at 870-933-4585. MORE